Travel to Nantes

Travel to Nantes

Located on the bank of the Loire river, near the Atlantic coast, Nantes boasts its stunning architectural splendours, scenic views of the sea and countryside, and also many museums. Nantes is an ideal gateway for those who want to have a relaxing time in a friendly town with a good French atmosphere.

Transportation to Nantes

Nantes has its own international airport, Nantes Atlantique Airport, located in Bouguenais which is 12 kms southeast of Nantes city centre. The airport serves many international flights from major cities around the world. There are shuttle bus services provided from the airport to the train station. If you want to come to Nantes by car, take the A11 west of Paris. The trip takes about three hours from Paris with a distance of 382 kilometres. To get to Le Baule from Nantes, you can take N165 northwest to Savenay, continue west and go along D773. Alternatively, rail services are available both from high-speed HGV services and normal train services from Paris to Nantes.

What to see

To get the vibe of the traditional atmosphere, go to the old town area of Nantes where you can find the beautiful 15th century Chteau des Ducs with an impressive pot-pourri of buildings built in differing fascinating styles. Nearby is the white-stoned Cathdrale de St-Pierre-et-St-Paul boasting its high ceiling and architectural beauty. For a selection of paintings, head to the Muse des Beaux Arts, east of the cathedral on rue Clemenceau where famous paintings such as David Triumphant by Delaunay, Chagall's Le Cheval Rouge and Monet's Nymphas can be found.

The more modern part of town also features many attractions. The first must-see place is the Place Royale, dating from the 19th century with its exquisite fountain. Other notable sites are the Place Graslin, with its ornate Grand Thtre, and the Passage Pommeraye which is a small shopping mall located by the river. Also visit the Muse d'Histoire Naturelle, on Rue Voltaire, which displays an array of macabre exhibits and the remarkable 19th century Palais Dobre.

Day trips

Planning a day trip around Nantes is fun and rewarding as there are many scenic attractions to see. Curious visitors should see the prehistoric site of the alignments of Carnac and the magnificent megaliths of Golfe de Morbihan. You can also find many inviting sandy beaches around the area. For a change, head to the nearby cities of Lorient, Vannes and La Baule. Another good option for a day's outing is a cruise to Belle-le, Hodic and Houat to indulge yourself in the charms of these exotic islands.

Activities and leisure

There are many things to do in the daytime and when the sun goes down, Nantes is also bustling with people who come out to taste gastronomic French cuisine and chill out at one of the friendly cafs. The city of Nantes is packed with nightspots that are located close together so you can experience a wide selection without having to travel to another location. Many pubs and cafs with live music can be found around the city centre.

Safety issues

It is naturally dangerous when travelling to unfamiliar places. Water sports are also prone to accidents. You should be aware at all time and take extra care of your belongings. Language barriers can also create problems when it comes to booking and making plans. We strongly recommend you take travel insurance for you and your family.